Dental Braces

What are Dental Braces?

Dental braces are used to align and straighten teeth and help position them with regard to a person’s bite, while also aiming to improve dental health. Braces also fix gaps. They are often used to correct underbites, as well as malocclusions, overbites, open bites, deep bites, cross bites, crooked teeth, and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw. Braces can be either cosmetic or structural.

Procedure:

Use of braces moves the teeth as a result of force and pressure on the teeth. There are traditionally four basic elements that are used: brackets, bonding material, arch wire, and ligature elastic (also called an “O-ring”). The teeth move when the arch wire puts pressure on the brackets and teeth. Sometimes springs or rubber bands are used to put more force in a specific direction. Braces have constant pressure which, over time, move teeth into the desired positions. The process loosens the tooth after which new bone grows in to support the tooth in its new position. This is called bone remodeling.

At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?

The best time is generally during childhood, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too – and more and more are doing so. Age is less important than having the right number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.

Why should you go for braces or aligners?

• Teeth that are overlapping and “ crowded” are difficult to clean, putting you at a risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Many times the overlapping teeth can cause decay in the adjacent tooth too.
• Teeth that are protruding are often prone to injuries.
• Spacing in between teeth leads to early bone loss, and loss of support, causing early loss of teeth.
• Jaw growth discrepancies may affect the jaw joint (TMJ) causing a chronic pain or Temporo Mandibular Disorder (TMD).
• Teeth alignment problems cause decay, bad breath and gum disease.
• Teeth alignment also affect the facial appearance.

What are the types of braces?

• Metal wired braces: These are the most common and traditional type of braces. They are typically made out of stainless steel. Metal brackets are fixed (bonded) onto the teeth and secure a wire with elastic ties made out of rubber.
• Ceramic wired braces: Also called “clear braces,” these provide a cosmetic alternative to the metal wired braces. The brackets are ceramic to match the shade of teeth and clear elastic ties are used.
• Lingual braces: These are braces that are placed on the lingual surface (backside) of the teeth and are not easily visible. These are braces that are placed on the lingual surface (backside) of the teeth and are not easily visible.
• Clear aligners: These braces are made of a clear plastic that is custom-made without the use of brackets or wires on the teeth.